Predictions have started rolling in ahead of the senior national team of Nigeria Africa Cup of Nations semi final game against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Wednesday, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Nigeria sealed their spot in the final four with a 1-0 win over Angola, while South Africa were taken to the lottery of penalty kicks by Cape Verde after both teams stayed locked at 0-0 after extra time. South Africa triumphed 2-1 on penalty.
Ahead of the game at the ongoing tournament, one cap South Africa winger Junior Khanye says Bafana Bafana will lose to the Super Eagles as a wake up call to make them realize that it is luck that has brought them thus far in the tournament citing the game against Cape Verde as one they could have lost.
“We have to be realistic, we were not at our best,” Khanye told iDiski TV.
“We didn’t play well. We could have lost that game. But, luckily, we were very lucky. And listen, I’m saying we were very lucky, but we also need to give to Ronwen Williams.
“He was the star of the show and saved those penalties very well, we have to give credit to him for that. But, when it comes to playing, we were terrible. We were defending too much. I think yesterday’s game was our worst at the tournament when I look at the other matches. I don’t think that we were at our best, any team can beat us. Look at the chances that Cape Verde created, it’s all luck”, the ex South Africa U23 winger further stated.
“Any of those chances could have easily gone in. But again, we have to say thank you for our defence. They did a very important job despite Cape Verde creating chances. It’s over for us. As I said, we are lucky to be where we are at the moment”.
On the Super Eagles game, he states clearly that they will be punished by the Nigerian team on Wednesday as a wake up call.
“Nigeria is going to beat us, and that’s when we will get a wake-up call. I’m not saying this because I’m being negative, but it’s just me stating facts.
“I love Bafana Bafana, and I want to see them doing well. But, this is our last game, those guys [Nigeria] are going to punish us.”
Ade Emmanuel
